Developer accused of cynicism as Travellers move in
An extended family of Travellers was camped on the grounds of the former Induchem Limited site on Cork’s Boreenmanna Road last night.
Two caravans, a camper van and two English-registered vans parked just inside the gates of the site. The site is the subject of a contentious planning application by the Freeland Partnership.
The company applied to Cork City Council last December to demolish the former Induchem buildings and construct a neighbourhood centre comprised of a two-storey commercial block of retail and local service units and a three- storey apartment block.
Residents objected on grounds of scale and density. Following a council request for further information the project was given the green light recently with conditions including a reduction in the size of the retail units and the omission of a betting shop.
However, the council’s decision was appealed earlier this week to the planning appeals board, delaying the project further.
The Travellers moved on to the site on Thursday night and said they have permission from the developer to be on the site as long as they wish.
They were seen using warehouses last night and it is understood they have access to running water and toilets.
Gardaí in Blackrock were in contact with the developer, who is understood to be abroad, and said he has confirmed to them that the Travellers are on the site with his permission.
Gardaí have no grounds to move the Travellers on.
A spokesman for the Freeland Partnership could not be contacted late last night.
Green Party Cllr Chris O’Leary said residents are furious and he accused the company of using the Travelling community to stir up tensions in the area.
“The members of the Travelling community may have been coaxed into this situation without knowing the background to it. They are pawns in the middle of this,” he said.
“This is a cynical ploy and blatant intimidation by the development company.”
Planning enforcement officers will be asked to examine the situation on Monday morning.
Bord Pleanála is due to rule on the planning application in January.
